Geological map of Somalia - 1:1,500,000

This dataset represents the digitized version of the Geological Map of Somalia (scale 1:1,500,000), compiled between 1987 and 1991 and printed in 1994. The map was edited and coordinated by E. Abbate, M. Sagri, and F.P. Sassi, with contributions from the Faculty of Geology, Somali National University (Mogadishu) and the Universities of Florence and Padua, Italy, along with several Somali and international collaborators. The map provides a comprehensive overview of Somalia’s geological formations, stratigraphy, and structural features, covering the Gulf of Aden margin, central basins, and the Indian Ocean coastal belt. Lithological units range from Precambrian crystalline complexes to recent Quaternary deposits, with detailed symbology distinguishing volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic sequences. The original map also incorporates tectonic structures, fault systems, and stratigraphic cross-sections that are not included in the SHP file, but the original map is provided georeferenced in EPSG:32638 - WGS 84 / UTM zone 38N.

The digitization process involved georeferencing, vectorization, and attribute assignment of geological units and structures to enable spatial analysis within modern GIS environments. This dataset supports research and decision-making in natural resource management, groundwater assessment, mineral exploration, land-use planning, and academic studies. During the digitization process, the original projection of the map was not specified, requiring approximate control points for georeferencing. As a result, minor distortions may remain, and the spatial alignment is not perfectly accurate.

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DOI:
10.63253/1qecdoun
Eleftherios Kaltsas (2025). Geological map of Somalia - 1:1,500,000 [Data set]. UNESCO .
Published: 2025-10-13 | Publisher: UNESCO

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Basic information
DOI https://doi.org/10.63253/1qecdoun
Resource type Spatial data set
Date of creation 2025-09-03
Date of last revision 2025-10-13
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Metadata identifier Geological-map-of-Somalia---1:1,500,000
Metadata language English
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High-value dataset category Geospatial
ISO 19115 topic category geoscientificInformation
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Spatial representation Type Vector
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"{\"type\": \"Polygon\", \"coordinates\": [[[41.564494, -1.664431], [41.992825, -0.724068], [47.939419, 4.438889], [50.810081, 9.384624], [50.899151, 10.310005], [51.413033, 10.439678], [51.0172, 10.419669], [51.284756, 11.833676], [50.791538, 11.985203], [44.615623, 10.382101], [43.260312, 11.46059], [42.968055, 10.997431], [42.83263, 10.27788], [44.00586, 8.99656], [47.98618, 8], [44.98174, 4.9173], [43.65906, 4.86803], [41.910119, 3.982756], [40.99565, 2.822], [40.99565, -0.833333], [41.564494, -1.664431]]]}"
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Name of the dataset creator (Legacy) Eleftherios Kaltsas
Name of the dataset maintainer Eleftherios Kaltsas
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Email of the dataset creator (Legacy) e.kaltsas@unesco.org
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Email of the dataset maintainer e.kaltsas@unesco.org
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